WGU Ethics-In-Technology - WGU Ethics In TechnologyQCO1 Certification Exam
Question #1 (Topic: demo questions)
A team of game designers must decide if players whose game characters commit violent and unlawful
acts should be rewarded. The team agrees that the acts are simul-ations, and the game will be rated
for adult or mature audiences. One designer raises questions about how contributing to this work will
reflect upon the team's moral character.
Which ethical theory does this represent?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Virtue ethics, as developed by Aristotle, emphasizes traits like honesty, integrity, and compassion.
Virtue ethics, as developed by Aristotle, emphasizes traits like honesty, integrity, and compassion.
The designer is questioning whether contributing to a game that rewards violent or unlawful acts
aligns with virtues such as responsibility and ethical integrity. This aligns with virtue ethics' central
questio n: What kind of person should I be? rather than What rules should I follow? or What
consequences will my actions have?
Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle's Ethics) – This ethical theory asks whether designing a game that rewards
violent behavior aligns with good moral character.
Ethics of Representation in Media and Gaming – Studies have shown that media can influence realworld
behaviors, raising ethical concerns about glorifying violence.
Industry Standards (ESRB, PEGI) – While rating systems classify content, ethical concerns go beyond
ratings to the moral responsibility of developers in shaping digital culture.
Moral Identity in Design – Developers must consider whether creating certain game mechanics aligns
with their personal and professional ethical identity.
Thus, the designer's concerns reflect virtue ethics by focusing on their personal integrity and
professional responsibility in game development.
Question #2 (Topic: demo questions)
A factory manager must decide whether to replace assembly-line workers with robots but is
concerned about employees losing their jobs. The factory manager also believes this automation
would enhance worker safety, save the factory money, raise corporate profits, and lower the prices
of goods produced. The factory manager weighs all possible outcomes and chooses the action that
produces the greatest good.
Which ethical theory does this approach represent?
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The factory manager is applying consequentialism, an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on
The factory manager is applying consequentialism, an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on
their outcomes or consequences.
Why Consequentialism?
The manager is weighing all possible outcomes and choosing the action that produces the greatest
good—a fundamental characteristic of consequentialist ethics.
This aligns with utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, which suggests that an action is ethical if
it maximizes overall benefits (e.g., higher profits, safety, lower costs).
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed utilitarianism, emphasizing that ethical decisions
should be based on maximizing happiness or well-being.
Why Not the Other Theories?
A . Deontology: Focuses on moral duties and rules rather than consequences. A deontologist might
argue that replacing workers with robots is wrong if it violates workers' rights, regardless of the
positive outcomes.
B . Relativism: Suggests that morality is subjective and varies by culture. The factory manager's
decision is based on objective outcomes, not cultural or subjective ethical norms.
C . Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the moral character of the decision-maker rather than the outcomes of
actions. The manager is making a cost-benefit analysis, not prioritizing virtues like fairness or
compassion.
Thus, the correct ethical framework that describes the factory manager’s decision is D.
Consequentialism because it is based on maximizing benefits while accepting potential negative
consequences.
Reference in Ethics in Technology:
Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.
Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon
Press.
Brey, P. (2000). "Disclosive Computer Ethics." ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society, 30(4), 10-16.
IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems (2019).
Question #3 (Topic: demo questions)
A new IT employee has questions about how the organization determines resolutions to issues that
impact its values and overarching principles. What should the employee refer to first for guidance?
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A Code of Ethics is a formal document that outlines an organization’s values, principles, and expected
A Code of Ethics is a formal document that outlines an organization’s values, principles, and expected
ethical behaviors. It serves as the first point of reference for employees seeking guidance on ethical
decision-making within a company.
Why Code of Ethics?
The Code of Ethics establishes the foundational principles that guide an organization's decisionmaking,
ensuring consistency in ethical practices.
It typically includes guidelines on conflicts of interest, integrity, fairness, and responsibility, helping
employees resolve ethical dilemmas.
The new IT employee can refer to this document to understand how the company resolves ethical
issues and enforces its values.
Why Not the Other Options?
A . Corporate Responsibility Matrix: This tool may help outline social and environmental
responsibilities but does not explicitly guide ethical decision-making.
B . Ethical Decision-Making Processes: While important, this is a procedural framework rather than a
reference document employees would check first.
D . Board of Directors: The Board oversees corporate governance but is not a direct source for
employee guidance on ethical matters.
Thus, the best answer is C. Code of Ethics as it directly provides ethical standards employees should
follow.
Reference in Ethics in Technology:
Moor, J. (1985). "What is Computer Ethics?" Metaphilosophy, 16(4), 266-275.
Floridi, L. (2010). Information: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics (2022).
IEEE Code of Ethics (2020).
Question #4 (Topic: demo questions)
An organization decides to provide its employees with additional parental leave benefits that exceed
legal requirements. Which concept is the organization acting on to support employees?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the ethical obligation of organizations to go beyond
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the ethical obligation of organizations to go beyond
legal requirements in improving societal and employee well-being. In this scenario, the organization
is voluntarily offering additional parental leave benefits, which demonstrates a commitment to the
welfare of its employees beyond what is legally mandated CSR involves initiatives that benefit various stakeholders, including employees, customers,
communities, and the environment. By offering enhanced parental leave benefits, the organization
acknowledges its responsibility to promote work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and overall
social welfare, which are key principles of CSR.
Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:
Utilitarianism (Greatest Good Principle) – Providing extended parental leave benefits leads to greater
well-being for employees and their families, fostering a more positive and productive workforce.
Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics) – The company recognizes its ethical duty to care for
employees beyond legal obligations, emphasizing moral responsibility rather than mere compliance.
Virtue Ethics (Moral Character of the Organization) – The decision reflects virtues such as empathy,
fairness, and social responsibility, reinforcing an ethical corporate culture.
Corporate Social Responsibility Frameworks – Organizations like the United Nations Global Compact
(UNGC) and ISO 26000 emphasize the importance of CSR in areas such as labor practices, human
rights, and community involvement.
By integrating CSR principles into employee benefits, the organization fosters a more ethical and
socially responsible business environment.
Question #5 (Topic: demo questions)
An insurance company develops an artificial intelligence (Al) system to manage claims automatically.
Although this technology benefits most customers, people from neighborhoods associated with a
low socioeconomic status find it harder to get their claims approved. The company decides to keep
using the system.
Which ethical theory justifies the company to come to this decision?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The decision made by the insurance company aligns with utilitarianism, an ethical theory that